Martin's Tavern

1264 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington DC 20007
202 333 7370

Washington is a town without many traditions except maybe earmarks, kickbacks and paybacks. Indeed, as Mark Twain observed, it is home to our only “permanent class of criminals” - politicians. Martin’s is an institution in a town which doesn’t have many.

The corner of Wisconsin and N is also a good bar with a good restaurant attached. They must be doing something right; the Martin’s have been at it for the better part of a century or since the last Great Depression. On any given night in Georgetown, especially on Wisconsin Ave or M Street, five cafes might go belly up. Not Martin’s. They must own the building. Indeed, Billy Martin and his wife, the third generation of family inn keepers, might greet you at the door or at the bar.

This no fern bar. The décor is dark wood polished by generations of butts and elbows. The fare here is meat and potatoes; steaks, pork chops, lamb chops, liver, pot roast and meat loaf. There’s a hearty selection of sea food too; oysters three ways, crab cakes two ways, Brunswick and oyster stews and soft shell crabs. Martin’s is a comfortable place that serves comfort food – a place where a manly men court real women. Indeed, if you’re a romantic, ask for booth three; and you can dine with the ghosts of Jack and Jacqueline. The once and future prince of Camelot proposed to his girl at Martin’s.